This manual is an attempt to make the transition from undergraduate to graduate school easier by providing information regarding the program here at UCLA. Hopefully it will also provide helpful hints from students who have already been through the process. Most of the information included in this manual has been written by your fellow graduate students.

You have arrived... now what?

• Basic Information regarding the program

Well, you have more than likely already had contact with Brenda Lewis. She is the academic advisor in the department and knows all of the information regarding the curriculum, admission process, and degree requirements. She can be reached by e-mail (brenda@atmos.ucla.edu) for quick questions, but you can also schedule an appointment to see her. Brenda is the person you need to speak to regarding all paperwork required during graduate school.

If you need to talk with someone about what courses you should be taking, you should talk to one of the academic advisors.

• Office Space for Graduate Students

Once you arrive in the department, you will be assigned an office. This is done in the front office (MS 7127) by either Brenda Lewis or the Department Manager (Jeanne Ladner).

• Keys and Door Codes

All of the offices and computer laboratories require keys or keypad codes to access. Both are assigned to you by the Department Manager. There is a $5 deposit for each key assigned. Make sure that you receive the "Master" key, which allows you access to the mail, copy, and reading room on the weekends and after hours. Codes are personal and should never be shared with anybody.

• Computer Accounts

Next on the agenda is getting a department computer account. This account gives you access to all computers in the synoptic lab and the terminal room, as well as an @atmos.ucla.edu e-mail address. It is important to do this because information regarding seminars, classes, etc. is often sent via department e-mail. You can download the application right here. Fill it out and contact James Murakami in MS 7101A with the completed paperwork. Note that your userid could already be in use, so have an alternative ready. The application also includes some basic rules for computing in the department.

The department has multiple operating systems available for use. For a more detailed description of computing in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences, see computer help section.

• Identification: BruinCard

The BruinCard is issued by UCLA and is required at many facilities on campus, such as checking out books at the libraries, using the Arthur Ashe Medical Center, at the John Wooden Center to mention a few. You can go to 123 Kerckhoff Hall to obtain your card. For much more information regarding the BruinCard and its features go to:

http://www.bruincard.ucla.edu/default.shtml

• Bruin OnLine (BOL) Accounts

You may also want to get a BOL account. Bruin OnLine (BOL) is a collection of services that provide UCLA students, faculty, and staff with remote dialup and on-campus access to the campus backbone network and the internet. This account will provide you with another e-mail address (@ucla.edu), which is also important to have. They use these addresses to inform students about news regarding the school, programs on campus etc. For more information and to create an account go to:

http://www.bol.ucla.edu/

• www.ursa.ucla.edu

URSA is one of the most important websites you will use at UCLA. It can be accessed from any computer on and off campus as long as you have a valid log in ID and PIN. The site contains everything from schedule of classes to enrollment to your grades and personal information. Make sure you can log into URSA with your student ID (given to you when you were admitted) and your PIN.

• Registering for classes using URSA

Registering for classes can (and should) be done on line. To start the enrollment process go to www.ursa.ucla.edu and log in using your student id and pin.

1. Use either the "Enrollment"button or the "Find a class and enroll" button.

2. Follow the instructions to enroll

3. Some useful tips:

   1. This first one is very important. When enrolling in seminars (e.g. AS270, which is required every quarter for all students) you will need to go back to the enrollment menu after enrolling and change the grading basis to SU. If this is not done, petitions will need to be filed after the class is over, since you only get a letter grade in these classes if you are actually giving a seminar.

   2. Research classes are listed as individual study classes under number 596. Each professor then has a separate class.

   3. You must be enrolled in at least 12 units to be considered a full-time student.

   4. Make sure to speak with graduate advisors regarding your choice of classes and make sure to take at least 5 core classes during the first year.

Again, if you don't know what courses you should be taking, please seek out one of the academic advisors.

• Deferral Forms

  These forms are extremely important if you are receiving support from the department, whether it is TA-ship or an RA-ship. You will receive an e-mail from Brenda before each quarter reminding you to sign these forms.
  
  The fee deferral allows the department more time each quarter to arrange its finances while ensuring that the graduate students have no holds put on their BAR accounts. While students are waiting for their fees to be paid, they are still allowed access to library services and access to the John Wooden Center, but can not sign up for Recreation Services until the fees are paid in full. Recreation services include any/all fitness classes as well as gym locker rentals. If the department does not pay the fees by the "payback deadline," the student's account will have a hold on it and she/he will not be allowed to use any campus services.
  

From an official university document:

All academic apprentice personnel are eligible to receive a fee deferral for registration fees assessed during the quarter in which they serve as an academic apprentice. You are responsible for ensuring that these fees are paid by the payback deadline. In general, the deferred payment deadline is two months after the standard quarterly due date. If your fees are not paid by this date, you will be liable for an additional $50 late charge. Please contact your departmental administrator to request a fee deferral. Please note that fee deferrals cannot be reversed and if you decide not to enroll after a fee deferral has been posted, you could be liable for an administrative fee.